National Women's Philanthropy Board Newsletter January 2009

Live Generously (TM)
Tevet 5769 - January 2009

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

It’s still hard to believe that after so many months of planning and anticipation, our amazing 2008 International Lion of Judah Conference in Israel is now history. And what history we made! Most of us are still flying high on the wings of the incredible experience we shared last November in Tel Aviv.  Without question, our team created an event that turned out better than our highest hopes—an unprecedented success. Imagine, despite the challenges of our current economic situation, we arrived in Israel 1,100 strong: a testament to the vision, inspirational leadership and tireless efforts of our magnificent co-chairs, committee chairs and our professional team.  Click here to read more.    

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR


"These are the times that try (wo)men's souls."  This familiar quote (with a little license taken) is from "The Crisis" by Thomas Paine, written at another difficult juncture in history, but the main message is the same for us today: this is a time for us to act and to be unafraid in our conviction. Thankfully, in addressing this notion to the powerful women of NWP, we know that it is merely a confirmation of a self-evident truth. We face many challenges these days, but we are unafraid because: 1. we act, without hesitation, and 2. we act together, which is the secret weapon of our success. Click here to read more.    
 

LETTER FROM THE ISRAELI LION LIAISON

As the liaison between the National Women's Philanthropy Board and the Israeli Lions, I have been connecting with our Israeli Lion sisters and asked them to give their impressions as to how they are dealing with the difficulties Israel is currently experiencing.  Evelyne Tamman Douek and Dale Ophir have both sent very detailed emails expressing Israel's state of mind in its fight against Gaza terrorism. Click here to read more.     


LETTER FROM THE JEWISH LEARNING CHAIR

Tu’B’Shevat, or the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat, in the lunar calendar, is considered the New Year for trees. Traditionally, a harvest holiday, or a time of tithing in the agricultural life of Israel, it was formerly considered a time when the fate of trees was decided, much like Rosh HaShana. First mentioned in the Mishnah, the tradition of celebrating Tu B’Shevat included the recitation of prayers and poems about trees, and the eating of fruits. Click here to read more.     

 

LETTER FROM THE ILOJC 2008 CHAIRS

The International Lion of Judah Conference was a special experience. More than 1,100 participants came together in Tel Aviv from November 12-16, 2008 to hear an array of informative speakers, see beneficiary programs firsthand, and experience the sites, sounds, and culture of Israel with Lions from all over the world. In addition to the nearly 1,000 women who attended, there were also 170 “Lion Kings” who were treated to a separate track of programming.  From the moment each Lion approached the registration kiosk, there was a warm, welcoming feel extended by a joint committee of Israeli and American leadership. Click here to read
more.     



JDC PERSPECTIVE - Look at what your dollars do

We've heard it many times before:  "The more things change, the more they stay the same" and yet, now I hear these words differently.  We all know that throughout our history, we, as Jews, have dealt with challenges to our mere existence. This hasn't changed. But as the organized Jewish community came to be and as we have prospered, we have been able to respond to these challenges differently and more effectively.  Thank G-d, in times of disaster or war, our national system enables us to respond—and, as you know, our collective Jewish response is critical.  Click here to read more.      

 

JAFI PERSPECTIVE - Look at what your dollars do

At this time of crisis, thanks to the generous support of its partners and supporters, the Jewish Agency for Israel is responding to the needs of residents in southern Israel with a range of interventions. Click here to read more.      


WASHINGTON, DC PERSPECTIVE

As the Obama Administration begins its tenure and Congress returns for another session, I write to you in my capacity as Washington Liaison to give you an update on UJC’s advocacy initiatives.  In particular, I want to highlight UJC’s Legislative Priorities for 2009 and offer suggestions on how, you as a lay leader, can be involved with key advocacy efforts both in Washington and in your local community. Click here to read more.      

 

 

 

2009 Calendar:
  • UJC Board of Trustees Meetings
    June 7-8, 2009
  • NWP Board Retreat
    June 8-10, 2009
  • UJC General Assembly
    November 15-18, 2009
    Washington, DC
Do you have news to announce? Simchas to share?

Send it to us so we can put it into the National Women's Philanthropy Board E-Newsletter!  Send them to rebecca.kirshner@ujc.org.


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INSIDE:  Letter from the Chair & President   Letter from the Director   Letter from the Editor   JAFI  JDC   Washington DC  Letter from the Jewish Learning Chair     ILOJC 2008 Overview   Israeli Lion Update  Good & Welfare  Calendar of Events

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

As we flip the pages of our calendars we find ourselves at the start of a new year– but is this really our new year?  Watching the ball in Times Square drop as it signifies the start of a new year, we look toward it with a sense of hope and renewal. Some of us make resolutions. Some are motivating and are taken seriously and others are quickly abandoned. Click here to read more.     

MAZEL TOV TO:

TERRI SMOOKE and her husband Michael on the birth of their grandchildren Alexandra Rose Praw and Noah Sidney Shallman. 

LOIS ZOLLER and her husband Jim on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Phoebe and Paige. 

BETSY HOOS and her husband Jeffrey on the marriage of their daughter Jennifer to Jonathan Rothberg.

VICKI FELDMAN PORTMAN and her husband David on their son, Lee Feldman’s acquisition of the company MacKenzie-Childs and his new position as CEO. 

CONDOLENCES TO:

 CAROL SMOKLER and her husband Irving on the loss of her father, Paul Shalita.
Condolences may be sent to:
Carol Smokler
400 South Ocean Blvd, #12
Boca Raton, FL 33432

"May G-d comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."

NWP NEW WEBSITE

 Come check out our newly designed National Women's Philanthropy Website.  Click here to view the website.

Article: Five Flawed Critiques Against Israel
Click here to read an article called "Five Flawed Critiques Against Israel" by Bradley Ruffle.